Coeur d' Alene is the name of a city
(population 30,600) and also a lake. Lake Coeur d' Alene has been called
"one of the 5 most beautiful in the world" by National
Geographic. Lakeside on a summer day is a relaxing place to be. When the
sun is out the water is extremely blue. Pine trees grow around the
water's edge and forests cover the surrounding hills. The lakeside is
now home to a recreational resort town. A large park is located near the Coeur d' Alene resort
(the tallest building in Coeur d' Alene, near the waterfront). The park
is usually crowded in the summer. In early August this park reaches capacity during the Art on the
Green days. This three day event features a variety of entertainment,
food, and northwestern crafts. I saw several art galleries displaying
local crafts. One place had many highly shined bronze statues that were
being exhibited on pedestals. The line for the snow cones was about 20
people deep and the wait to be served took a good 25 minutes. This part
of the festival mentioned above was held at the park. However, 10 or 11
blocks of main street were closed to traffic and addtional vendors had set up
their stands and were selling everything from local arts to antiques to
food.
Coeur d' Alene has the largest population of osprey in the Western
United States. During the right season you can often see their nests on
top of logs at the lake's edge. This lake is also famous for its Chinook
Salmon that weigh up to 30 pounds. In the winter Bald Eagles arrive to
feast on the salmon.
More information about Coeur d' Alene can be found by
visiting the Official Visitor's guide:
www.coeurdalene.org
About
Dave's Pick